Four arrested over alleged FGM practice in Elgeyo Marakwet

Police in Elgeyo Marakwet County have arrested four people, including a circumciser, over allegations of practising Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) in Embobut.

The arrests followed reports that eight girls had undergone the procedure, which is illegal under Kenyan law.

A police operation in Kapchebao and Embolot confirmed that the girls had been subjected to FGM about a week ago and were receiving medical care.

The victims reportedly included women aged 25, 23, 18, and girls aged 16 and 14.

They were taken to a local hospital, treated, and discharged. Their parents and the alleged circumciser were later traced and arrested pending arraignment.

FGM, which remains practised in some areas despite legal prohibitions, involves the partial or total removal of female genitalia.

Kenya’s Prohibition of Female Genital Mutilation Act of 2011 criminalises the practice, including participation by medical personnel, and prescribes penalties for offenders.

Enforcement is supported by oversight bodies such as the Anti-FGM Board, though cultural traditions have made eradication challenging.

International human rights law also recognises FGM as a violation of women’s rights, prompting many countries to adopt similar legislation.

In a separate incident, four people were arrested in connection with the killing of a man in a mob lynching in Gaitu, Imenti, Meru County.

The suspects were presented in court on Monday, December 29, where police were granted 30 days to hold them pending investigation.

Authorities emphasised that mob violence is criminal and urged communities to report suspects to law enforcement.

Meanwhile, three people were killed in a road accident involving two lorries in Voi, Taita Taveta County, on Monday night.

Police reported that a Mercedes-Benz lorry rammed into an FH lorry in the Ndii area, killing the driver and two passengers.

The victims’ bodies were taken to a mortuary as investigations continued.

Overall, police said nine people died in separate road accidents across the country on Monday.

The victims included four passengers, three pedestrians, a driver, and a rider.

Additionally, 24 people were injured in various accidents, including passengers, riders, pillion passengers, and pedestrians.